Italian Antipasti Stuffing Recipes

ANTIPASTI STUFFED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Spray a heavy baking sheet with vegetable oil cooking spray. Set aside.
• For the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the red wine vinegar, oregano, fennel seed, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic. Gradually whisk in the oil.
• For the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the salami, pepperoncini, prosciutto, provolone and tomatoes with 1/4 cup of the dressing; toss to blend evenly.
• Place the chicken breasts, smooth-side down on the work surface with the thickest part at the top and the straight side on the left. Using a very sharp knife and starting on the right side, cut each chicken breast almost in half horizontally (stopping close to the left side), creating a pocket for stuffing. Open the chicken breasts like a book.
• Mound a fourth of the stuffing onto the right side of the breast, and press firmly to compact. Fold the left side (flap) of the chicken tightly over the stuffing. Lay three 10-inch pieces of string on the work surface 1 to 11/2 inches apart. Place the chicken on the strings and tie the strings around the chicken at intervals to keep the flap closed over the stuffing. Press in any stuffing pieces that fall out.
• Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of the dressing.
• Roast until the chicken is cooked through, 18 to 20 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a sheet of foil. Let rest 5 minutes.
• For serving: Divide the arugula among four plates. Cut the strings off the chicken. Cut each breast on a slight diagonal into 1/2-inch-wide slices. Fan the slices of one breast over the arugula on each plate. Drizzle with the dressing and serve.

SOUTHERN ITALIAN THANKSGIVING STUFFING

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a deep 9x13 inch baking dish or roasting pan.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir in the sausage. Cook and stir until the sausage is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink. Drain and discard any excess grease. Place the browned sausage into a large mixing bowl.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the pancetta begins to brown, stir in the onions and celery, and cook until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic, and cook another 3 minutes until the aroma of the garlic mellows.
• Scrape the onion mixture into the bowl with the crumbled sausage. Add the French bread, cornbread, dried sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and pine nuts; stir well. Pour in the chicken broth and mozzarella cheese; stir until the chicken stock has been absorbed by the bread and the stuffing is evenly mixed. Pack the stuffing into the prepared baking dish, and dot the butter overtop. Cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, then remove the foil, and continue baking until the top has turned golden brown, about 15 minutes more. Sprinkle with the fresh sage and shaved Parmesan cheese to serve.

HOT ITALIAN ANTIPASTI DIP

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
• Place bread slices on cookie sheet. Brush on both sides with olive oil; set aside.
• In medium bowl, mix Italian cheese blend, cream cheese, sour cream, artichoke hearts, garlic, oregano and pepper flakes. Spread evenly in baking dish.
• Top cheese mixture in baking dish with salami and prosciutto, then top with roasted peppers and olives. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake 20 to 24 minutes or until bubbling. Meanwhile, bake bread slices in same oven 20 to 24 minutes or until golden brown and toasted.
• Top dip with basil; serve with toasted bread slices.